Williamstown Youth Center Hosts New Martial Arts Program

12:44PM / Friday, June 20, 2014Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Bear Martial Arts is presenting a new program housed at the Williamstown Youth Center

Adult and children’s classes start on July 1, 2014 at the WYC facility located at 66 School St.

Bear Martial Arts' dedicated instructors, James Shin and Alex Benko, deliver a values-based martial arts program centering on character building, goal setting, and leadership skills. Along with teaching techniques in self-defense, the new WYC martial arts program focuses on the importance of respect, self-esteem, and self-control. Goshin Jutsu, a self-defense oriented martial art emphasizing the interaction of the striking arts with the jujutsu arts, will be the style of instruction.

The major principles from karate, boxing, jujutsu, and wrestling are incorporated into the curriculum to help students develop a well-rounded style. The WYC is looking forward to providing their new facilities to Bear Martial Arts and to giving the community an excellent opportunity for self-development.

James Shin has been studying Martial Arts for 22 years and has trained in multiple styles with many exacting teachers of diverse disciplines (Hapkido, Tang So Do, Jiu-Jitsu, and Go Shin Jutsu). He taught youth Martial Arts in San Diego with Sensei Adam Storrs before moving to Williamstown. James has honorably served in the United States Marine Corps and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a contracted instructor.

Alex Benko has practiced mixed martial arts since the age of 13 in Russia and has taught youth Karate for 2 years in the 1990s. He has also studied Budokai karate in Albany, NY and is currently a student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu University.

More information can be found at williamstownyouthcenter.org and bearma.com.

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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:50PM / Sunday, December 21, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.

"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."

Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.

"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."

Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.

"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."

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